Title

Author

Date Approved

2010

Degree Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Health Sciences

Committee Member

George U. Liepa PH.D., CNS, FACN, FAOCS

Committee Member

Lydia Kret M.S., R.D.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to explore the impact of nutrition education on the nutritional intake of female high school students. Two groups of females from Saline High School (Saline, Michigan) participated in the study. Age, height, weight, and activity level were obtained from each student in the control group (N=5) and the experimental group (N=17). Participants also completed a demographic survey and a 3-day food diary (two weekdays and one weekend day). No significant differences were found between the groups in age, weight, height, or Body Mass Index (BMI). Diet analysis of the three-day food diaries showed significant differences (p<0.05) in intake of dietary fiber and several vitamins and minerals. In this study it was found that students who took a nutrition education (NE) class consumed significantly more dietary fiber as well as certain vitamins and minerals. Amounts of these nutrients consumed by the NE group were closer to the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI).